He may not be the coach as of yet, and no-one knows when the Tigers will in fact announce their coach – but Australian coach and former coach of ESL side, the Bradford Bulls in Mick Potter, believes that he can weave some magic at the club, should he be coach.
Potter, who was voted as the best coach in the ESL by his peers, turned down an offer to remain at the Bulls, instead choosing to return home to Australia.
Although he is yet to enter any formal talks with anyone from the Tigers about the vacant head coaching role, Potter said that if given the chance to do so, he would be very keen for it.
“If I am asked, I would certainly go and talk to the people at Wests Tigers,” said Potter.
“They play a good brand of footy and it would be a good opportunity. There is no point throwing your hat in the ring if you are not asked, because jobs aren’t like that in rugby league, I don’t think.”
“But if they wanted to talk, I’d be happy to do so.”
Over the last seven years, Potter has been in charge at St Helens, Catalans and Bradford, but believes he has something to offer an NRL club, even as an assistant – an option that he would consider.
“I would like to think there are some jobs around, even as an assistant,” said Potter.
“The NRL is a premier competition and if I can get an opportunity to help someone out, I will do it.”
“I have been coaching since 1997, so it has been a while. I like doing it and without boasting, I think I am quite good, and I have got a couple of little niches that I think I am very good at.”
“I think I am able to get the best out of players and improve them individually. I think I have shown that in the years I have been over in England and France.”
Should the Tigers opt for Potter, he comes with big game experience, having taken the Catalan Dragons to the Challenge Cup in 2007, as well as a third placed finish in 2008 – and took St Helens to successive grand finals in 2009 and 2010.
“I just need an opportunity and for someone to say, ‘You’re the bloke to take us forward’,” said Potter.
“I don’t think I have left a team in worse shape, than when I started.”